Draught-proofing Guide

Draught-proofing is an easy DIY job. Several sealant strips are usually self-adhesive for simple fixing, as well as fitting brushes to doors and letterboxes can also be simple. However good ventilation is as important as draughtproofing, and is also important if you have a solid fuel fire, a gas fire or a boiler with an open flue.

Surface-mounted, flexible nylon as well as brush are the most straightforward and cheapest kind of draught excluder to fit. A plastic seal is most effective on smooth floors and works well on the top of the door as well as the bottom, whilst a brush seal off is useful on the inside of an exterior door and where the floor surface is less even.

Windsheild wiper seals are also utilized for sliding sash windows and also sliding patio doorways, where a good complement low friction is critical.

The smallest gap all around a window or door can provide a draught, which will result with your home’s insulation staying less effective, and your heating bills more costly! Even double glazing and wellfitted frames will not entirely eliminate draughts.

Keyholes and letterboxes are common reasons behind draughts in the home. Both problems can easily be solved : a keyhole with an escutcheon coverplate is simple to fit, while letterbox draught excluders are available to suit all likes.

Fit a letterbox draught excluder guiding the letterbox on the internal of the front door, to prevent cold air via entering the house and preventing heat coming from escaping.

Never block or cover any air vents in your home. Do not draught-proof in kitchens and bathrooms, or in the location of any fuel-burning appliance, without having seeking professional advice first.

The best way to draught-proof the house is to fit UPVC or wood double-glazed windows and doors. This can be an expensive option, however savings from lower heating bills can be really beneficial.

If you get your own doors and windows, help make precise measurements. Calculate across all proportions – top, bottom level and middle * as openings in many cases are not exactly ‘square’. Measurements must take into account the thinnest and widest points.

Check with the local planning office as you may call for planning permission to adjust to new windows and doors, particularly if are considering UPVC house windows. If you, or your builder, are not affiliated to a professional organisation for example FENSTRA, installation must be checked out by the local building control officer.

How to Fit a brush draught excluder

Fixing a brush strip draught excluder to the base of a doorway is really a fast and straightforward job. You will need to cut the excluder to fit.

Measure the doorway width as well as cut the excluder to the appropriate size. Pinch the brush channel with pliers to help stop the bristles from to fall out.

Position the excluder so that it makes good contact with the floor. Mark fixing points through predrilled fixing holes in excluder.

Drill pilot fixing holes through marks on door and loosely screw the excluder in place. Open and close the door to ensure it creates a good seal.

Adjust height if required before screwing the excluder in place at all fixing points using a handheld screwdriver or drill/driver.